In line with this year’s Supreme Student Government (SSG) Special Elections, students of the university witnessed a convergence of vision and intellect as candidates from two opposing parties participated in the Miting de Avance and Presidential & Vice-Presidential Debate held at the Inner Court, May 6.
Candidates from two parties, namely the ALLIANCE and the ANTIMONY Parties, introduced themselves and showcased their platforms, highlighting their vision for the future of the student body.
The presidential and vice-presidential candidates from the two parties were allotted 1 minute and 30 seconds to answer each ’round question’ and were allowed to present rebuttals after each answer.
ALLIANCE presidential candidate Kyle Cardeño stated his aim of improving the well-being of EVSUnistas during the round question.
“Una nga plataporma nga akon gusto igyakan is capacity building training for students. Huna-hunaon, workplace training for career development—dapat unahon talaga is paano ba kita mag-apply ha trabaho,” the presidential candidate stated.
Cardeño also emphasized his commitment to prioritizing an information education campaign for the students.
“Ikaduha an information education campaign, mental health awareness, climate action, and gender and development seminar,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ANTIMONY Party advocated for the revision of the Student Handbook aiming to create a transparent and inclusive government that would address the needs of the students effectively.
“Ginsusulong han amon party an revision han Student Handbook. Naka-indicate ha Article 26 Sec. 237-238 an Dress Code & Proper Haircut. Ha amon didi, gusto namon protektahan an LGBTQIA+ Community. Gusto namon ngan ginsusulong namon nga dapat an EVSU maging LGBTQIA+ community friendly,” addressed by ANTIMONY Party presidential candidate Ralph Condes.
Condes further stated the importance of student activism and emphasized that it is the students’ fundamental right.
“Second, ginsusulong gihap namon an student activism, kun diin a student should learn na makibaka. Matuto tayong makialam dahil ito ay ating pangunahing karapatan,” Condes added.
Meanwhile, Director of the Student Affairs and Services Office (SASO) Dr. Sonia T. Enrile encourages all students to cast their vote in this upcoming election as there will be a memorandum for students who will not participate in the election and will be obliged to address a letter explaining why they did not vote.
Moreover, The Industrial Wheel Editor-in-Chief Ton Sierolf Cairo highlighted the significance of the students’ vote in his closing message, encouraging them to vote wisely.
“The importance of informed decision-making cannot be overstated. Your vote is not just a mark on a ballot, but a voice for your future and the future of our whole student community. I encourage each of you to critically assess the platforms presented today and make an informed choice when you cast your vote tomorrow,” Ton concluded.
Article by Jake Sabido